Check your power bank before you fly.

Keep the power bank with your cabin baggage

The FAA says power banks are spare lithium batteries and must be carried in cabin baggage. If a carry-on is checked at the gate, remove the power bank and keep it with you in the cabin. Protect its terminals against short circuits.

Keep the bank accessible in a protective pouch and follow the manufacturer’s handling instructions. This is also practical when you need to show the model and energy label to airline staff.

Find the watt-hour rating on the device

Use the printed Wh rating where available. The FAA’s ordinary lithium-ion limit is 100 Wh per battery; larger batteries in the 101–160 Wh range need airline approval and have additional limits. This guide does not establish permission for a specific airline or model.

Do not use the USB output voltage to guess stored energy. If the rating is unclear, consult the manufacturer’s specifications and the airline before departure. Our featured NB10000 Gen4 has a manufacturer-published 39 Wh rating.

Read the operating airline’s policy

Airlines can impose stricter quantity, capacity or use restrictions. Check rules for every operating carrier on the itinerary, including connecting flights. Look for guidance about use during the flight as well as where the bank is packed.

Save the relevant policy and confirm that the model label is readable. If you change banks before a trip, repeat the check instead of assuming a replacement follows the same rules.

Do a final battery check

• Find the model name and Wh label before packing.
• Review current airline quantity and use restrictions.
• Protect against short circuits and accidental activation.
• Do not travel with a damaged or recalled battery; follow the relevant manufacturer and airline guidance.
• Keep the power bank in the cabin if your bag is gate-checked.